October 7, 2014 / Modified oct 7, 2014 8:14 a.m.

FDA Prioritizes UA Tests for Possible Valley Fever Cure

Fast tracking Nikkomycin Z will speedy clinical trials, putting drug on market.

Lung X-ray Spot Valley fever is a lung infection caused by a fungus that lives in Southwestern soil.
AZPM Staff

Listen:

The University of Arizona has gotten the green light to fast track a drug that may be key to curing valley fever.

About 150,000 valley fever infections occur every year, with the majority happening in Southern Arizona.

Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is prioritizing approval of Nikkomycin Z, a drug being tested and researched by UA scientists. The drug fights the respiratory fungal infection by breaking down a key component in the fungus’ cell wall.

Fast tracking gives Nikkomycin Z priority when it comes to FDA approval.

It also extends the amount of time the drug’s maker has exclusivity rights, making it more appealing to those who may partner in getting into the market.

John Galgiani, director of the UA Valley Fever Center for Excellence, said the designation will be important in getting Nikkomycin Z to those suffering from valley fever.

“It means the FDA won’t be the bottleneck for getting this drug to market," he said. "It’ll simply be a matter of us getting the clinical trials done, and finding the investment partner to help us do that.”

Clinical studies are scheduled to start late next year.

By posting comments, you agree to our
AZPM encourages comments, but comments that contain profanity, unrelated information, threats, libel, defamatory statements, obscenities, pornography or that violate the law are not allowed. Comments that promote commercial products or services are not allowed. Comments in violation of this policy will be removed. Continued posting of comments that violate this policy will result in the commenter being banned from the site.

By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.
AZPM is a service of the University of Arizona and our broadcast stations are licensed to the Arizona Board of Regents who hold the trademarks for Arizona Public Media and AZPM. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.
The University of Arizona